A theater program is the hallmark of any play, a printed guide to the event. It was initially called a poster, just like an advertising poster for a theatrical performance, and looked like a giant sheet of paper. The program contained a list of characters, actors, and a summary of the performance. It was hung in the theater foyer, as well as handed out to the audience.
The first brochure-type programs appeared in the European theater in the 18th century. Sometimes they looked like a magazine (albeit only a few pages long) that not only described the current event but also promoted the next planned performances and even included occasional advertisements for theater sponsors and their merchandise that had nothing in common with fine arts.
The first brochure-type programs appeared in the European theater in the 18th century. Sometimes they looked like a magazine (albeit only a few pages long) that not only described the current event but also promoted the next planned performances and even included occasional advertisements for theater sponsors and their merchandise that had nothing in common with fine arts.